Universal design based evaluation framework for design of wearables

Abstract

In our previous study, we have reviewed the existing criteria from different design domains that seem as relevant for the design and assessment of the wearables. Our next goal is developing a Universal Design-based assessment framework, which should cover all three layers of the Universal Design model: the transcending principle, process-related principles, and human factors principles. The equity principle says that an application of design is universally inclusive for all kinds of different users. We propose starting an evaluation with the assessment of equity, using a revised version of the guidelines of the National Institute of Health for Equality Impact Assessment. The process-related principles include flexibility, error-management, efficiency, and stability and predictability. For these principles, we propose the use of well-established usability evaluation tools with focusing on the principles listed above. For the evaluation of human factors principles, which include ergonomic, perception and cognition principles, we propose the use of the Inclusive Design Toolkit developed by the Engineering Design Centre of the University of Cambridge. A combination of mentioned above three tools can provide a comprehensive and fast evaluation framework for wearables and other types of design artifacts, which do not have interactions with screen-based input/output devices.